Crisford to Apply for Trainer's License

Simon Crisford, former Godolphin racing manager, plans to start training in Newmarket later this year.

Crisford, who worked for the Maktoum family's worldwide operation since its inception in the early 1990s, left his position of racing manager earlier this year to become the family's global racing adviser.

Crisford told Racing Post that he will continue in his current role with Godolphin and their associates and said he hopes the Maktoum family will support him in his new endeavor.

"I am very excited to be setting up my own training business," Crisford said. "It is something I have always wanted to do and I am delighted to have the opportunity to realize that ambition now.

"Clive Brittain has very kindly agreed to rent me some boxes and, subject to BHA approval, I will be operating from his isolation yard at Carlburg Stables.

"I have been lucky enough throughout my career to work with some great people," said Crisford, a former assistant to trainers John Dunlop and Sir Mark Prescott. "I have been around top-class horses for the best part of 30 years, having also had the privilege of working closely with Saeed bin Suroor, Andre Fabre and John Gosden.

"But most of all, I have learned so much about horses from Sheikh Mohammed--without doubt he has been the greatest influence on my career."